TRADITIONAL MEDICINE UTILIZATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CANCER PATIENTS IN SAINT PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Traditional medicine encompasses a diverse range of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that differ from conventional medicine. The use of traditional medicine among cancer patients has witnessed rapid growth worldwide, yet there is limited evidence regarding its utilization level in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess utilization of traditional medicine and associated factors among adult cancer patients at the oncology unit of Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized to select 291 study participants. Data collection involved a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictor variables. Variables with a significance level (p< 0.25) in bivariate analysis were further analyzed using multivariate regression. Results: Total of the 291 cancer patients included, 287 completed the interviewer administered questionnaire. The utilization rate of Traditional Medicine following cancer diagnosis was 70%. The most commonly used Traditional Medicine modalities were Home Remedies (86%), Spiritual practices medicine (85%), and Practitioner-produced Herbal medicines (54%). Positive attitude towards Traditional Medicine (AOR=4.8, 95% CI: 2.88 8.51), Mid knowledge of Traditional Medicine (AOR=5.478, 95%CI:1.68-12.8), High knowledge of Traditional medicine (AOR=4.46, 95% CI: 1.39-9.34), Residence in Addis Ababa (AOR=3.301, 95% CI: 1.81-5.19), and Experiencing moderate side effects from modern medicine (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.75) were identified as significant predictors of Traditional Medicine use. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of cancer patients utilize Traditional Medicine following cancer diagnosis. Area of residence, knowledge about Traditional Medicine, attitude towards Traditional Medicine, and the severity of side effects associated with modern medicine were found to be significant predictors of Traditional Medicine utilization. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential applications of traditional medicine and actively engage with patients to provide accurate information and support. Further research is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of Traditional Medicine. Keywords: Ethiopia, Cancer Patients, Traditional Medicine, Saint Paul’s Hospital, Utilization, Associated Factors